Phytochemical screening, in vitro and in vivo effects of an aqueous extract of the bark of Combretum glutinosum Perr ex DC. (Combretaceae) on gastrointestinal strongyles

Abstract

IntroductionPlants remain an inexhaustible source of medicines for the treatment of various diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of the aqueous extract of Combretum glutinosum bark on adult gastrointestinal strongyle worms. MethodsIn vitro, the extract was contacted with worms at various doses. In vivo, 25 sheep were divided into five batches of 5 animals, with one batch untreated, one batch treated with albendazole and three batches treated with the extract at three different doses. The body weight of the animals, the number of eggs per gram of faeces and haematological parameters were used to assess the efficacy of the extract. ResultsIn vitro, the extract appeared to inhibit the motility of adult Haemonchus contortus worms more than Trichostrongylus colubriformis (P < 0.05). In vivo, a significant reduction in the faecal excretion rate was observed in batches of animals treated with the drug and those treated with the extract, compared with the untreated control. Similarly, an increase in animal weight and an improvement in haematological parameters were observed in the treated batches after experimentation. The chemical profile of the extract revealed the presence of various chemical groups suspected of being responsible for its anthelmintic properties. ConclusionTreatment at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight appeared to be more active in reducing the number of eggs per gram of faeces and could therefore be recommended for the formulation of an improved traditional medicines with anthelmintic properties.